Slava Kozlov, a veteran of the Detroit Red Wings, has accepted an assistant coaching position with the KHL Shanghai Dragons, bringing his NHL experience to a team that has been searching for a turnaround after a disappointing season.
The appointment was championed by Ilya Kovalchuk, Kozlov’s former teammate, who convinced the club’s management to bring the Russian‑born forward into the fold on a two‑year contract. Kozlov says the role is a chance to steer the Dragons away from the chaos that plagued them last year.
A New Era for the Dragons
The Dragons have a reputation for recruiting former Red Wings alumni, a tradition that dates back to their days as Kunlun Red Star before rebranding. Their next chapter includes a planned move to China, a shift that will see them leave their current Russian base in St. Petersburg and eventually call Shanghai home.
Among the familiar faces joining the roster are forward Martin Frk and defenseman Givani Smith, both of whom were scouted by Kozlov himself. Frk, in particular, was personally recommended by the new assistant coach, underscoring a collaborative approach to building a competitive lineup.
Although the club lists Shanghai as its official home, it continues to play its regular‑season games in Russia, with recent matches held in Moscow where Kozlov also took over coaching duties after Alexei Kudashov was dismissed mid‑season.